Get to know the bakers behind Hof Kelsten and Hof Sucrée.

Since they first opened their doors in 2013, Boulangerie Hof Kelsten’s handmade bread has been a mainstay of Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood and a humble heavyweight in the local culinary scene. Their beloved loaves appear on the menus at some of the city’s most respected restaurants and have been a favourite on our Marketplace for more than a decade. We’ve been fortunate to work alongside their team since 2015, witnessing both of our businesses grow, evolve, and flourish together. 

Introducing master baker Jeffrey Finkelstein. Before becoming a full-time baker, Jeffrey worked in fine dining, learning the ropes in legendary restaurants across the U.S. and Europe and refining his pastry skills in world-class kitchens. Back home in Montreal, he perfected his dough recipes in his mother’s kitchen, soon supplying loaves to restaurants like Leméac, Club Chasse et Pêche, and Joe Beef. In 2013, Hof Kelsten was born and quickly became a local landmark known for its artisanal approach and Eastern European specialties.

More than a decade later, Jeffrey’s project continues to evolve. One of the biggest new chapters is the launch of its sister bakery, Hof Sucrée, celebrating the sweeter side of baking.

Meet the woman behind the pastries, Chef Suyin Wong. Born in Singapore and raised in Vancouver, Suyin left her decade-long career in finance to pursue her passion for pastries and love for feeding people. She uprooted, moved to France to train as a pastry chef, and eventually landed in Montreal. Not long after first crossing paths with Jeffrey, Suyin was brought on to create Hof Kelsten’s viennoiseries, all while continuing to travel back and forth to complete her training abroad. 

Years later, in December 2023, Hof Sucrée emerged on a quiet Outremont corner, making it a true local hidden gem. With a production kitchen in the back and a café in the front, Suyin’s coffee breaks often turn into chats with customers that liven up busy workdays. 

Find the best of both bakeries in your weekly basket. Today, our Marketplace has a variety of baked goods from both Hof Sucrée and Hof Kelsten, always made to order and delivered within hours of leaving the oven. We’re talking shortbread cookies, biscotti, oat bars, vegan cakes, brownies, sourdough, challah, rye, brioche, and more, baked each morning with a focus on organic ingredients. Strong relationships with incredible bakers like Suyin and Jeffrey allow us to fill your baskets with only the freshest local breads and pastries week after week.

A vibrant collaboration built on trust and communication. As long-time partners of ours, Suyin and Jeffrey are both keen to hear what Lufavores are liking and what they want to see more of. Over the years, they’ve prioritized organic ingredients to meet the needs of our community, and even created products like their ready-to-bake cookies and danishes so you can enjoy warm, straight-from-the-oven treats at home. Don’t hesitate to leave your feedback under your favourite products - you never know what your comments could help shape next!